Alarm device, system, and method



May 3, 1960 J. v. CEBULAR 2,935,741"

ALARM DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD Filed Nov; 18, 1954 /7 sw f ra/ V A con na P4? if 5 450 T AC DC 85 19 74 70 x 11 w a2 8 .32 60 at 0 g 5f INVENTOR. JOfl/V 1 6554/14? MJMM United States Patent ALARM DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD John v. Cebnlnr, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application November 18, 1954, Serial No. 469,69?

5 Claims. (Cl. 340-310) This invention relates to an alarm device, system and method, and more particularly to an alarm device, system and method for concurrently giving an alarm at various locations by means of a common source of stimuli.

Heretofore alarm devices, systems and methods have utilized a common power distribution network for intercommunication by audiomodulating a radio frequency signal. Such systems require complex and expensive devices, and since they must add energy to the system to operate, are highly ineflicient and unsatisfactory when used merely for sending and giving alarm signals. I

Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method which is highly effective and eflicient in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method utilizing a common source of energy or power distributing system.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method utilizing a common source of energy and not requiring the transmission of additional energy for operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method for concurrently producing an alarm signal at a plurality of selected locations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method for producing an alarm signal at a plurality of various locations by central control of a common source of energy.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device, system and method which produces an alarm signal at a plurality of various locations only by the positive actuation of stimulation from a common source.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm system utilizing a plurality of devices for producing an alarm signal, which devices may be readily varied in number and location and made operative by merely connecting with the common source of stimuli.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device which may be readily tested for operativeness and reset.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved alarm device which is efficient and reliable in operation, and is inexpensive to construct and maintain.

The foregoing is attained as well as other objects by providing a plurality of alarm devices utilizing a common source of controllably interrupted stimuli to form an alarm system. Each of the alarm devices has an input terminal coupled at various locations with the common source of stimuli and produces an alarm signal upon stimulation of its input terminal after alternate interruptions of stimuli from the common source.

The method of producing alarm signals at the various locations of the alarm devices, comprises setting the de- Patented May 3, 1960 f ICC vices for concurrent alarm production, and successively interrupting the common source stimuli producing an' alarm signal after alternate interruptions of the common stimuli. If the first interruption causes the common source stimuli to produce an alarm signal, the second interruption terminates the alarm signal so that it is not produced by the common source stimuli until after it is once again interrupted.

The above objects of the invention as well as many other objects will become apparennwhen the following description of the invention is read together with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration in block form of an alarm device embodying the invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the alarm device of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a modified form of the alarm device shown in Figure 2.

Like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views.

' Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates in block form one of a plurality of alarm devices having an input terminal 4 which receives stimuli from a central source. A signal responsive circuit 24 comprises a switch control 25 and a switch 26 both of which are connected with the input terminal 4. The switch control 25 conditionally delivers an output control signal over the line 6 to the switch 26,

The switch 26 has a conductive state and a nonconductive state, and will deliver stimuli from the input terminal 4 to the alarm unit 22 only when it is in its conductive state.

The control 25 delivers an output signal to the switch 26 upon receipt of the signal or after each interruption of stimuli from the terminal 4. Each output signal from the control 25 causes the switch 26 to assume its alternate state. Thus, if the switch 26 was in its conductive state, it assumes its non-conductive state upon receipt of the next control signal, whereas if it is non-conductive it assumes its conductive state upon receipt of the control signal.

In operation if the alarm device receives stimuli at its input terminal 4 and the switch 26 is non-conductive, a signal is not delivered to the alarm unit 22. However, if the stimuli on the input terminal 4 is interrupted or removed and returned to the input terminal 4 the control 25 produces an output signal when stimulation is resumed. This causes the switch 26 to assume its conductive state. The switch 26 now delivers a signal to the alarm unit 22 from the input terminal 4. With the alarm unit 22 energized, an alarm signal is produced.

In a similar manner, it the stimuli received by input terminal 4 is again interrupted or removed and resumed, the signal delivered to the control 25 delivers an output signal to the switch 26 which renders it non-conductive. This prevents the delivery of an output signal to the alarm unit 22 and terminates the alarm signal.

In this manner, a system utilizing a plurality of the described devices at various locations, each of which receives stimuli from a central source, can be controlled by the interruption or removal and resumption of stimulation from the central source. It is noted that if the signal is merely removed as by a power failure, the alarm system does not produce a false alarm signal.

Refer now to Figure 2 which is a schematic diagram of the device illustrated in Figure 1. An input transformer fit) is provided with an input winding 12 which has its ends respectively connected with the input terminals 14 and 16. The terminals 14 and 16 are adapted to receive alternating current stimuli. The input transformer 10 also is provided with output windings 18 and 20. The output wind- 3 ing 18 has one of its ends connected by a line 17 to a ratchet type relay stepping switch 24, while its other end is connected by a line 19 with an alarm unit 22 which may be ,of the bell type. The alarm unit 22 is also connected in series with the stepping switch 24 by a connecting line 23.

The ratchet type relay switch 24 is provided with an actuator 25 and a revolvable cylinder 26. The cylinder 26 has a conductive segment 28 and a non-conductive segment 30. The line 17 is connected to the conductive segment 28 of the cylinder 26 at 34, while the line 23 is connected with a contacting element 32 which either engages the conductive segment 28 or the non-conductive segment 30.

As illustrated, the element 32 contacts the non-conductive segment 30. However, the switch actuator 25 causes the cylinder 26 to rotate 180 degrees so that the element 32 engages the conductive segment 28 of the cylinder 26. In this manner, the contact element 32 alternately engages the segments 28, of the cylinder 26 with successive operations of the switch actuator 25.

The actuator 25 is provided with an actuating coil 36 which is connected across the ends of the secondary winding 20 of the input transformer 10. The actuator 25 revolves the cylinder 26 to its alternate positions upon each energization of its actuating coil 36. The cylinder 26 maintains its set position until it is again revolved by the actuator 25.

In operation, alternating signal stimuli is delivered from the central signal source, such as the power mains, to the input transformer 10. In addition to stepping down the input voltages, the transformer 10 also provides direct current isolation for the alarm device. The secondary winding 20 of the transformer 10 energizes the actuating coil 36 of the stepping switch 24. The switch 24 is shown to have its cylinder 26 in the non-conductive position. In this position the series circuit including the alarm unit 22 is open preventing its energization by the signal produced across the secondary winding 18.

Interruption of the alternating signal to the input terminals l4, 16 results in the actuating coil 36 of the stepping switch 24 being de-energized. When the alternating input signal to the terminals 14, 16 is resumed, the coil 36 is again energized resulting in the rotation of the cylinder 26 to its conductive position. In this position the series circuit to the alarm unit 22 is completed and an alarm signal is produced. This alarm signal is continued until the alternating input stimuli to the input terminals 14, 16 is again interrupted or removed. When the signal delivered to the input terminals 14, 16 is returned, the actuating coil 36 which had been de-energized, is activated and returns-the cylinder 26 to its non-conductive position. This opens the circuit with the alarm unit 22 and prevents further production of the alarm signal.

In a similar manner, the alarm can again be produced by interrupting and returning the stimuli to the terminals 14, 16.

In this manner, a system comprising a plurality of alarm devices may be readily connected to the main alternating current power supply, and controlled at the power source by the interruption or removal and resumption of stimuli.

In order to carry out the method of the invention, the alarm units are positioned in various locations where the alarm signal is to be produced and are coupled to a central signal source or power supply for control and actuating purposes. The alarm units are set for concurrent alarm production by setting the stepping switches to their non-conductive positions when the alarm is not to be produced. To produce an alarm signal from a central location at all of the various locations of the alarm devices, the central source of stimuli is momentarily interrupted or removed and resumed. To terminate the alarm signal, the power source may be momentarily interrupted and the return of power will not result in continuation of the alarm signal. By spacing the interruptions of the signal in accordance with various designs, long and short signals may be produced bearing coded intelligence. Many other such uses of the devices will be readily obvious.

It is also noted that the device may take the form of a radio signal receiver which is stimulated by a central broadcast of radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signals may be interrupted or terminated and resumed to control and produce the alarm signal at the various locations of the alarm devices.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a modified form of the alarm device shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the structure and operation of this device in many respects will be similar to that of the device shown in Figure 2 and previously described.

The device is provided with the pair of terminals 50, 52 which are adapted to receive stimuli from a central source in either an alternating current or direct current form. The input terminal 50'is connected by a line 54 with an alarm unit 62 which is series connected by means of a line 56 with a ratchet type relay stepping switch 64. The ratchet type relay stepping switch 64 is returned to the input terminal 52 by a line 58 through a normally closed resetting switch 60.

The stepping switch 64 is comprised of a cylinder 66 having a conductive segment 68 connected to the line 58, and a non-conductive segment 70. The line 56 connects to a contacting element 72 of the stepping switch 64 which engages either the conductive or non-conductive segments 68, 70 of the cylinder 66. The stepping switch 64 is in either a conductive state or non-conducting state depending upon which segment 68, 70 is engaged by the element 72. The cylinder 70 of the switch 64 maintains its position until it is rotatably actuated to its other state by energization of its actuating coil 76.

One end of the actuating coil 76 of the stepping switch 64 is connected with the input terminal 52 by a line 77 through the resetting switch 60. The other end of the actuating coil 76 is connected to a terminal 80 of a delay relay switch 82.

The delay relay switch 82 is provided with an armature 84 which normally contacts the terminal 80 when not energized; but contacts the terminal 86 of the delay relay switch 82 when its actuating coil 88 is energized. The armature 84 is connected by a line and the line 54 with the input terminal 50. The actuating coil 88 has one of its leads connected with the input terminal 50 through lines 54 and 85, while its other lead is connected with the input terminal 52 by means of the line 77 and resetting switch 60.

The alarm device operates in the following manner. When stimuli is first presented to the input terminals 50, 52, the delay relay switch 82 will be in the state shown in Figure 3 with its armature 84 contacting the terminal 80. This results in the delivery of stimuli to the actuating coil 76 of the stepping switch 64 causing the cylinder 70 to revolve degrees to its alternate state which in this case would be its conductive position.

In this position the stepping switch 64 completes the circuit with the alarm device 62 causing it to produce an alarm signal.

Soon after the stepping switch 64 is rotated to its alter nate position, the coil 88 of the delay relay switch 82 actuates its armature 84 breaking its contact with the terminal 80. This opens the circuit of the actuating coil 76 of the stepping switch 64 causing it to be de-energized. The stepping switch 64 nevertheless maintains its set position.

It is noted that the delay relay switch 82 opens the actuating coil circuit 76 of the stepping switch 64 after a predetermined delay. This delay must be suflicient to allow energization of the coil 76 and actuation of the cylinder 66 to its alternate position. If this delay is insutficient, actuation of the stepping switch 64 to its proper alternate position will not be accomplished.

When the stimuli delivered to the input terminals 50,

the actuating coil 76 by the delay relay circuit 82 preresponsive to each one of said discrete stimuli alternating said switching element from one of its positions to its other position upon each energization of said actuating V coil and only during the receipt of stimuli by said input pares it for immediate excitation by a signal on the input terminals 50, 52.

With the return of stimulation to the input terminals 50, 52, the actuating coil 76 is energized and the stepping switch 64 is set to its alternate state opening the alarm unit circuit and terminating the alarm signal. This process can be repeated indefinitely.

It is particularly noted that the opening of the circuit of the actuating coil 76 after each actuation of the stepping switch 64 results in the saving of the electrical energy which would otherwise be delivered to the coil after it has performed its desired operation. This arrangement also allows the use of a coil 76 which can act quickly by taking a high load during a short interval of time, thereby increasing its'efliciency of operation and reducing power consumption.

In the case of alternating current use, the opening of the stepping switch actuating coil 76 also serves to eliminate the hum which is generally produced by such switches and reduces the cost of the stepping switch 64 which may be employed.

Where direct current excitation is supplied to the input terminal 50, 52, the use of the delay relay switch 82 permits the actuating coil 76 of the stepping switch 64 to have a low direct current resistance. This allows a quick in current resulting in a rapid and effective actuation of the switch 64 to its alternate position. Soon after the actuation of the stepping switch 64, the high current drain through the coil 76 is eliminated by the opening of the circuit. The delayed relay switch 82 is especially important for eilicient operation of the stepping switch 64, in view of the fact that the coil 76 pre sents an effective inductive reactance only during the transient state of the direct current signal.

The delay relay 82 although having its coil 88 constantly energized by the signal on the input terminals 50, 52 offers a high impedance to alternating current stimuli and a high resistance to direct current stimuli, thereby minimizing power consumption and increasing the elliciency of the device.

The reset switch 60 interrupts the stimuli delivered to the input terminals 50, 52 for the purpose of resetting the stepping switch 64 to its proper aligned position. This alignment with, the other devices is necessary so that the devices will produce a concurrent signal under control of the central source of stimulation. Theresetting switch 60 is also useful for testing the proper operation of a unit by interrupting the stimuli only to the particular device being tested.

Although the devices schematically illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 each employs a ratchet type relay stepping switch other type switches and devices may be substituted which will effectively carry out its purpose.

From the above description, it will be readily evident to those versed in the art that the alarm devices, system and method herein described have the advantages of etficiency and reliability in operation, and versatility in application. The devices disclosed are simply and economically manufactured and have many other advan- 8- 1 The aforesaid particular disclosure of the alarm devices, system and method is illustrative only and it should not be construed as limitative of the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following annexed claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an alarm device, a circuit having an input terminal adapted to receive discrete stimuli and a signal terminal, and a second relay switching element continuously coupled between the 'input terminal and the actuating coil of said first switching element having a conductive position and a non conductive position, said switching element delivering an output signal from the input terminal when in its conductive position, said second switching element having an actuating coil energized by stimuli from the input terminal for actuating said second switching element to its non conductive position after a predetermined delay.

2. An alarm device comprising a circuit having an input terminal adapted to' receive discrete stimuli and a signal output line, a ratchet type relay stepping switch having its switching portions coupled between the input terminal and the output line and providing a conductive position and a non conductive position, said stepping switch delivering a signal to the output line from the input terminal only when it is in its conductive position, said stepping switch being provided with an actuating coil responsive tocach one of said discrete stimuli for alternating said switching element from one of its positions to its other position upon each energization of said actuating coil and only during the receipt of stimuli by said input terminal, a second delay relay switch coupled between the input terminal and the actuating coil of said stepping switch having a conductive position and anon conductive position, said delay relay switch delivering an output signal from the input terminal when in its conductive position, said delay relay switch having an actuating coil energized by stimuli from the input terminal for actuating said delay relay switch to its non conductive position after a predetermined delay, said delay relay switch assuming its conductive position when stimuli is removed from its actuating coil, and a signal responsive alarm unit connected with the output line of said circuit.

3. An alarm device comprising first and second input terminals adapted to receive discrete stimuli, an alarm unit having a first terminal connected with said first input terminal and a second terminal, a normally closed reset switch having a first terminal connected to said second input terminal and a second terminal, a ratchet type relay stepping switch connected between the second terminals of said alarm unit and said reset switch and having a conductive position and a nonconductive positiomsaid alarm unit being nergized bystimuli {tom said input terminals only when said stepping switch is in its conductive position and said reset switch is closed, said stepping switch being provided with an actuating coil responsive to each one of said discrete stimuli having a first end connected to the second terminal of said reset switch and a second end for actuating said stepping switch from one of its positions to its other position upon each energization of said actuating coil and only during the delivery of stimuli to said input terminal, and a delay relay switch continuously connected between said first input terminal and the second end of the actuating coil of said stepping switch having a conductive position and a nonconductive position, said delay relay switch energizing the actuating coil of said stepping switch with stimuli from said input terminals only when it is in its conductive position and said reset switch is closed, said delay relay switch having an actuating coil with one end connected with said first input terminal and its other end connected with the second terminal of said reset switch being energized by stimuli from said input terminals when said reset switch is closed for actuating said delay relay switch to its nonconductive position after a predetermined delay, said delay relay switch assuming its conductive position when stimuli is removed from its actuating coil.

4. An alarm device comprising a circuit having an input terminal adapted to receive discrete stimuli and a signal output line, a ratchet type relay stepping switch having its switching portions coupled between the input terminal and the output line and providing a conductive position and a nonconductive position, said stepping switch delivering a signal to the output line from the input terminal only when it is in its conductive position, said stepping switch being provided with an actuating coil responsive to each one of said discrete stimuli for alternating said switching element from one of its positions to its other position upon each energization of said actuating coil and only during the receipt of stimuli by said input terminal, a second relay switch continuously coupled between the input terminal and the actuating coil of said stepping switch having a conductive position and a nonconductive position, said second relay switch delivering an output signal from the input terminal when in its conductive position, said second relay switch having an actuating coil energized by stimuli from the input terminal for actuating said second relay switch to its nonconductive position, said second relay switch assuming its conductive position when stimuli is removed from its actuating coil, and a signal responsive alarm unit connected with the output line of said circuit.

5. An alarm device comprising first and second input terminals adapted to receive discrete stimuli, an alarm unit having a first terminal connected with said first input terminal and a second terminal, a normally closed reset switch having a first terminal connected to said second input terminal and a second terminal, a ratchet type relay stepping switch connected between the second terminals of said alarm unit and said reset switch and having a conductive position and a nonconductive position, said alarm unit being energized by stimuli from said input terminals only when said stepping switch is in its conductive position and said reset switch is closed, said stepping switch being provided with an actuating coil responsive to each one at said discrete stimuli having a first end connected to the second terminal of said reset switch and a second end for actuating said stepping switch from one of its positions to its other position upon each energization of said actuating coil and only during the delivery of stimuli to said input terminal, and a second relay switch continuously connected between said first input terminal and the second end of the actuating coil of said stepping switch having a conductive position and a nonconductive position, said second relay switch energizing the actuating coil of said stepping switch with stimuli from said input terminals only when it is in its conductive position and said reset swtch is closed, said second relay switch having an actuating coil with one end connected with said first input terminal and its other end connected with the second terminal of said reset switch being energized my stimuli from said input terminals when said reset switch is closed for actuating said second relay switch to its nonconductive position, said second relay switch assuming its conductive position when stimuli is removed from its actuating coil.

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